Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz (seated at right of table) joins members of the Poverty Committee as the group came together for their inaugural meeting. The volunteer, seven-member Poverty Committee will advise Erie County government on measures to reduce poverty and its causes.

Poloncarz, Committee Volunteers Bring Ideas to Table as Committee Convenes for First Meeting

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by members of the recently-formed Poverty Committee as the group came together for its inaugural meeting as it begins its mission of identifying ways of reducing poverty in Erie County. Poloncarz called for the establishment of the Committee earlier this year as part of his health and human services plan, Initiatives for a Stronger Community .

“This Committee has tremendously important work before them, and I was pleased to be able to join them this morning as we explore ways to address the issue of poverty in Erie County. The Committee brings wide and varied experience to the table and has a wealth of insight to add to our conversations, which will bear fruit as our work progresses,” said Poloncarz. “Working together as a community, we can confront poverty where it exists and build a better Erie County for all.”

The Poverty Committee will advise Erie County government on measures to reduce poverty and its causes, including access to employment opportunities, high cost of safe and secure housing, substance abuse, mental illness, discrimination, and disability. The seven-member Poverty Committee is headed by Chairperson Rev. Kinzer Pointer; other members include Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, Anna Falicov, Esq.; Dr. Myron Glick, M.D.; Rev. Frank Cerny; Dr. Yvonne S. Minor-Ragan; and Marlies Wesolowski. The group will meet on a monthly basis.